President Hakainde Hichilema Urges Peaceful Participation in Zimbabwe’s Elections
His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, has issued a statement ahead of Zimbabwe’s upcoming general elections, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes and peaceful participation.
Addressing the citizens of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), President Hichilema highlighted the core values that unite the region, including the consolidation of democracy through regular, credible, free, fair, and transparent electoral procedures. The adoption of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections in 2004 has provided a framework for achieving political and economic transitions through a peer-to-peer mechanism.
With the upcoming general election in the Republic of Zimbabwe scheduled for August 23, 2023, President Hichilema extended SADC’s well-wishes for a peaceful and orderly electoral process. He called upon the citizens of Zimbabwe to actively exercise their constitutional rights and participate in this pivotal phase of their governance system.
In his statement, President Hichilema encouraged citizens to remain calm and patient as they await the announcement of the election outcome. The President conveyed his hopes for peaceful elections in Zimbabwe, emphasizing the significance of such events in contributing to regional economic, political, and social development.
President Hichilema’s message serves as a reminder of the collective commitment shared by SADC nations in fostering democratic values and processes. As Zimbabwe prepares to choose its political leadership, the call for peaceful participation echoes the spirit of unity and progress that underpins the SADC community.
The statement by President Hakainde Hichilema resonates not only with Zimbabwe but with the entire SADC region, reaffirming the importance of democratic ideals and the crucial role of citizens in shaping their nations’ future.
